(AFP, DAMASCUS) - Syria's new president, Bashar al-Assad said Monday that economic change must be brought about by "modernising the laws" and getting rid of bureaucratic obstacles.

”We must now move forward by regular steps toward economic change through a modernisation of the laws, and the suppression of bureaucratic obstacles which prevent the inflow of investments," he told parliament in a speech after taking the oath of office.

"The private sector must be activated and given the best possible opportunities. We also have to ensure that the public sector is competitive in foreign markets," he said.